Seven Boko Haram Commanders Arrested Returning from Hajj

On June 18, 2026, seven individuals identified as commanders of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were arrested at Katsina Airport after returning from Hajj. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, the Minister of Interior, announced the arrests, which were facilitated by the Department of State Services (DSS).

However, he did not disclose the identities of the suspects or whether they traveled on Nigerian passports. The Katsina State Commission of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu Azu Danmusa, stated that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of federal security agencies, and the state government neither authorized nor confirmed the arrests.

Additionally, Yunusa Abdullahi Dankama, Executive Director of the Katsina State Pilgrim Welfare Board, denied any knowledge of the arrests or allegations that bandits participated in the Hajj. The situation has raised concerns about the screening process for pilgrims, with political analyst Dr.

Bashir Kurfi questioning the integrity of the process.